Bead Soup Blog Party #6

It's that time again! If you missed the blog about what my partner Kitty Bozzini sent me, you can check it out here. She's a very talented lampwork artist and made me an assortment of beads and even a glass toggle!


I admit that I was thrown for a loop when I received her beads - not because they weren't beautiful, they are absolutely gorgeous - it was just because they're not at all the sort of beads I normally use. However, that is exactly the point of this challenge, is it not? Shortly after I received my beads, I injured my back, and was unable to do anything at all for over a week, let alone make jewelry. All I could do was imagine what I might do, but that's never as helpful as pulling 50 things out and playing. I also consulted a couple of my beady friends for their thoughts -- and it was the brilliant Malin deKoning who insisted I try the toggle on a bracelet. She knew what she was talking about! I tried 15 different arrangements until I settled on the final version, which I absolutely adore!

I strung the purpley square beads on some pea green suede and turquoise leather, then wrapped the ends with some waxed Irish linen cording. So simple, but gorgeous! I am totally thrilled with this piece and very well may keep it for myself.

Then there was the focal. An idea came to me that seemed like it would suit it perfectly - however - it was not even remotely the sort of necklace I would ever make or wear. I still can't decide if it was a mistake not to do it that way, because it would have been a great solution - though one I personally wouldn't have liked one bit. And because you're curious, I'll explain: 5 pieces of different colored waxed linen cord passing through the pendant (which would be placed at about 8:00) and then coordinating Swarovskis knotted onto the cords every inch or so. I think it would have worked, but like I said - SO NOT ME.

So I tried a few other things, including knotted sari (which seemed a bit of a cop-out, but remember I'm still having a lot of back pain and I couldn't really overextend myself), unknotted sari in bracelet form, in choker form, etc. And finally arrived at what I thought was a good solution.

I used the same pea green suede to thread through the copper chain and a copper hook I'd made a few weeks prior. And to fasten the suede, I went one step further than I usually do and hammered the wire flat before wrapping the ends. I think it has a much neater effect, which this necklace called for.

I'm sad that I didn't get to use the cone shaped bead and the purple saucer shaped bead, but I will get to them eventually. All in all, pretty good for having a sprained back huh?

Thanks for stopping by, and make sure to check out all the other creations in the hop! For a list of all the participants' blogs, click right here!